
Nicoletta Lanese
Nicoletta Lanese is the health channel editor at Live Science and was previously a news editor and staff writer at the site. She holds a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in The Scientist, Science News, the Mercury News, Mongabay and Stanford Medicine Magazine, among other outlets. Based in NYC, she also remains heavily involved in dance and performs in local choreographers' work.
Latest articles by Nicoletta Lanese

Men have a daily hormone cycle — and it's synced to their brains shrinking from morning to night
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A month-long study of a man's brain revealed that its volume consistently shrunk over the course of each day and then reset overnight.

Scientist who discovered body's 'fire alarm' against invading bacteria wins $250,000 Lasker prize
By Nicoletta Lanese published
One of this year's coveted Lasker Awards has gone to Zhijian "James" Chen, a scientist behind a key immune-system discovery.

'What is normal today may not be normal in a year's time': Dr. Dinesh Bhugra on the idea of 'normal' in psychiatry
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Live Science spoke with leading psychiatrist Dr. Dinesh Bhugra ahead of his appearance at the HowTheLightGetsIn festival in London.

Pregnancy shrinks parts of the brain, leaving 'permanent etchings' postpartum
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A study tracks how the structure of the brain changes during pregnancy, drawing on brain scans gathered before, during and just after one person's pregnancy.

New tick-borne virus discovered in China can affect the brain, scientists report
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists present evidence of a newly discovered tick-borne virus that can infect humans and potentially invade the brain, in some cases.

'Enhancing' future generations with CRISPR is a road to a 'new eugenics,' says ethicist Rosemarie Garland-Thomson
By Rosemarie Garland-Thomson published
"Eugenics seeks to improve by eliminating the characteristics considered at a particular time and place to be disadvantages and to maximize those considered normal."

'Who are we to say they shouldn't exist?': Dr. Neal Baer on the threat of CRISPR-driven eugenics
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Dr. Neal Baer discusses a new book about the incredible promise and potential pitfalls of CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Sweden reports 1st case of deadlier mpox outside Africa
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Following the WHO's declaration that the mpox outbreak in Africa is a global health emergency, Sweden reported its first case of a deadlier clade of the virus.

CRISPR could be used to treat UTIs, early trial hints
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists are testing a "genetically enhanced bacteriophage cocktail" as a treatment for urinary tract infections.

WHO declares mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The World Health Organization says the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa requires a coordinated international effort to subdue.

'Sloth virus' reported in Europe for 1st time — but what is it?
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The Oropouche virus, which some media outlets are calling a "sloth virus," has been seen in European travelers returning home from the Americas.

FDA approves 1st needle-free alternative to EpiPens
By Nicoletta Lanese published
There's now an option to treat anaphylaxis via a nasal spray, rather than with an auto-injected medication.

Probiotic supplement caused man's fatal infection in rare case
By Nicoletta Lanese published
In very rare instances, the live microorganisms in probiotics can cause dangerous infections.

Cannabis use linked to head and neck cancer risk
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A new study that looked at 20 years of medical data from millions of people found a link between cannabis use and specific cancers.

'Breaking,' aka breakdancing, is in the Olympics for the 1st time — here's the brain science behind it
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Here's the brain science of breaking, the dance style making its Olympic debut in Paris.

Valley fever risk may be high this year, California officials warn in wake of music festival outbreak
By Nicoletta Lanese published
California officials are investigating cases of valley fever tied to a recent music festival.

WHO may declare new, deadlier mpox outbreak an international emergency
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The World Health Organization will soon convene a committee to decide if the ongoing mpox outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern."

Who should get the new RSV vaccines? Here's everything you need to know
By Nicoletta Lanese last updated
There are now RSV vaccines approved for older adults and for pregnant people, and antibody shots (not vaccines) available for babies. What's the difference?

CDC issues new guidelines for RSV vaccines, citing side-effect concerns
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The CDC has clarified and narrowed its recommendations for which older adults should get an RSV vaccine.

Dangerous strains of 'hypervirulent' superbug detected in US and 15 other countries
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A drug-resistant bacterium that causes severe infections has been spreading globally, and it's now in at least 16 countries, the WHO warns.

Olympic athletes dive into the Seine — days after it was deemed too contaminated with poop for safe swimming
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Olympic triathlon racers finally dove into the Seine following postponements due to poor water-quality test results. Will the water stay swimmable?

Genetically engineered 'mind control' parasite could deliver drugs to the brain
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists are developing an engineered parasite to get drugs into the brain.

New blood test for colorectal cancer approved by FDA
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists hope a new blood test for colorectal cancer could improve screening rates.
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